Steering mechanism for vehicles, method for checking and controlling the same and vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of vehicle inspection and repair, and discloses a vehicle steering mechanism, an inspection and repair control method thereof and a vehicle. The vehicle steering mechanism comprises a steering wheel, a clamping shell, a speed reducer, a rotary telescopic mechanism and a linear driving mechanism. The clamping shell is detachably installed on a vehicle body. The speed reducer comprises a machine base and a transmission member. The machine base and the steering wheel are arranged on two sides of the clamping shell. An output end of the steering wheel penetrates through a through hole of the clamping shell and is connected to an input end of the transmission member. The rotary telescopic mechanism comprises an outer sleeve and a sliding rod which is slidably connected to the outer sleeve. The sliding rod is connected to an output end of the transmission member, and the outer sleeve is connected to a steering shaft. The linear driving mechanism is arranged on the vehicle body and has an output end connected to the machine base. The vehicle steering mechanism can be lifted to the same side of the steering wheel under the driving of the linear driving mechanism, so that the speed reducer can be conveniently inspected and repaired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle inspection and maintenance technology, and in particular to a vehicle steering mechanism, its inspection and control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The existing steering mechanism of new energy vehicles consists of an externally mounted steering wheel and a reducer installed inside the vehicle body. The reducer includes a transmission component and a base, with the transmission component housed within the base and fixed to the vehicle body. The upper part of the steering mechanism transmits power by fixing the output end of the steering wheel to the transmission component of the reducer, and the output end of the reducer transmits torque through a shaft. When maintenance or repair of the reducer is required, the entire steering mechanism must be removed from the vehicle body for inspection and repair. This process is complex, inconvenient, and reduces maintenance efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle steering mechanism, its maintenance control method, and a vehicle, so as to solve the problem that the slow reducer in the upper part of the steering mechanism affects the maintenance efficiency due to the complexity of disassembly and assembly.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] Automotive steering mechanisms include:

[0006] steering wheel;

[0007] A snap-fit ​​housing, which is detachably mounted on the vehicle body, and the snap-fit ​​housing is provided with a through hole;

[0008] A speed reducer, comprising a base and a transmission component disposed inside the base, wherein the base and the steering wheel are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting housing, the base is connected to the mounting housing, and the output end of the steering wheel passes through a through hole in the mounting housing and is connected to the input end of the transmission component.

[0009] A rotary telescopic mechanism, comprising an outer tube and a slide rod slidably connected within the outer tube, the top end of the slide rod being connected to the output end of the transmission component, the bottom end of the slide rod being slidably connected to the outer tube, and the bottom end of the outer tube being connected to a steering shaft;

[0010] A linear drive mechanism is mounted on the vehicle body, and the output end of the linear drive mechanism is connected to the base to drive the base to lift and lower.

[0011] Optionally, a limiting piece is provided inside the outer tube, and the slide rod can stop against the limiting piece when it descends to the position.

[0012] Optionally, a circumferential limiting mechanism is provided between the outer sleeve and the slide rod, the circumferential limiting mechanism causing the slide rod to slide along the axial direction of the outer sleeve.

[0013] Optionally, the vehicle steering mechanism further includes a mounting plate, which is detachably mounted on the vehicle body and located below the base. The linear drive mechanism is disposed on the mounting plate, and the steering shaft passes through the axial through hole of the mounting plate from bottom to top and is connected to the bottom end of the outer sleeve.

[0014] Optionally, two linear drive mechanisms are provided, and the two linear drive mechanisms are spaced apart on both sides of the axial through hole.

[0015] Optionally, the mounting housing is snapped into the base.

[0016] Optionally, the outer diameter of the mounting housing is larger than the outer diameter of the base.

[0017] Optionally, the circumferential sidewall of the base is provided with an inspection port, and an inspection cover is provided at the inspection port, the inspection cover being hinged to the base.

[0018] The present invention also provides a maintenance control method for a vehicle steering mechanism. According to the vehicle steering mechanism provided by the present invention, the maintenance control method for the vehicle steering mechanism includes:

[0019] Disconnect the card holder from the vehicle body;

[0020] The linear drive mechanism pushes the base upward and moves the mounting housing upward synchronously. At the same time, the slide bar in the rotary telescopic mechanism slides upward relative to the outer sleeve until the base is pushed out of the vehicle body by the linear drive mechanism; maintenance work is carried out on the reducer.

[0021] The present invention also provides a vehicle including the vehicle steering mechanism provided by the present invention.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] The vehicle steering mechanism of the present invention detachably connects the mounting housing to the vehicle body, with the steering wheel and reducer located on opposite sides of the mounting housing. For maintenance operations, within the driver's cab, the mounting housing isolates the steering wheel and reducer from the inner and outer sides of the vehicle body. When maintenance is required, the mounting housing is disconnected from the vehicle body, and the reducer inside the vehicle body can be raised and lowered under the drive of a linear drive mechanism. The raising process allows the reducer's base to rise to the side of the steering wheel for easy maintenance; the lowering process allows the reducer's base to descend into the vehicle body and be sealed and fixed in place by the mounting housing.

[0024] The maintenance control method for the vehicle steering mechanism of the present invention enables the linear drive mechanism to drive the base of the reducer to rise to the external space of the vehicle body for maintenance by means of a detachable connection between the mounting housing and the vehicle body, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.

[0025] The vehicle of the present invention, by providing a vehicle steering mechanism with a mounting housing and a linear drive mechanism, facilitates the maintenance of the vehicle steering mechanism and improves maintenance efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vehicle steering mechanism of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary telescopic mechanism in the vehicle steering mechanism of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the middle.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Steering wheel; 2. Mounting housing; 21. Fixing hole; 3. Reducer; 31. Base; 32. Inspection cover; 4. Rotary telescopic mechanism; 41. Outer sleeve; 42. Slide rod; 43. Limiting plate; 44. Circumferential limiting mechanism; 5. Linear drive mechanism; 6. Mounting plate; 61. Threaded hole; 7. Steering shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0032] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0035] This invention provides a vehicle steering mechanism, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the vehicle includes, from top to bottom, a steering wheel 1, a mounting housing 2, a reducer 3, a rotary telescopic mechanism 4, and a linear drive mechanism 5. The mounting housing 2 is detachably mounted on the vehicle body for steering operations. The mounting housing 2 has a through hole through which the output shaft of the steering wheel 1 passes from top to bottom. The reducer 3 includes a base 31 and a transmission component disposed inside the base 31. The base 31 and the steering wheel 1 are located on opposite sides of the mounting housing 2 and are connected to the mounting housing 2. The output end of the steering wheel 1 passes through the through hole of the mounting housing 2 and is connected to the input end of the transmission component. Through the mounting housing 2, the components below the steering wheel 1 are encapsulated inside the vehicle body. The rotary telescopic mechanism 4 includes an outer sleeve 41 and a slide rod 42 slidably connected within the outer sleeve 41. The top end of the slide rod 42 is connected to the output end of the transmission component, and the bottom end of the slide rod 42 is slidably connected to the outer sleeve 41. The bottom end of the outer sleeve 41 is connected to the steering shaft 7. The rotary telescopic mechanism 4 transmits the rotation output of the steering wheel 1 to the steering shaft 7 and extends / retracts during the raising and lowering of the base 31, ensuring the position of the steering shaft 7 remains unchanged. The distance between the steering shaft 7 and the transmission component is adjusted through the rotary telescopic mechanism 4. The linear drive mechanism 5 is mounted on the vehicle body, meaning it is fixedly installed. The output end of the linear drive mechanism 5 is connected to the base 31 to drive the base 31 to raise and lower. The linear drive mechanism 5 raises and lowers the base 31, and the transmission component and the rotary telescopic mechanism 4 inside the base 31 can extend and retract synchronously with the raising and lowering of the base 31.

[0036] It should be explained that in the vehicle steering mechanism of the present invention, the mounting housing 2 is specifically connected to the center console located inside the driver's cab on the vehicle body. In this embodiment, the steering wheel 1 can be directly operated and is considered to be located outside the vehicle body. The mounting housing 2 is connected to the vehicle body, sealing the vehicle body and isolating the steering wheel 1 from the outside. Therefore, the reducer 3 is located on the other side of the mounting housing 2 and cannot be directly operated or maintained, and is considered to be located inside the vehicle body. During use, the steering wheel 1 is located outside the vehicle body, while the reducer 3, the rotary telescopic mechanism 4, the linear drive mechanism 5, and the steering shaft 7 are located inside the vehicle body. The vehicle steering mechanism of the present invention, by detachably connecting the mounting housing 2 to the vehicle body, facilitates the disassembly and installation of the mounting housing 2 and the vehicle body. When the mounting housing 2 is detached from the vehicle body, the reducer 3 inside the vehicle body can be raised and lowered under the drive of the linear drive mechanism 5. During the raising process, the base 31 of the reducer 3 can be raised to the outside of the vehicle body for maintenance work; during the lowering process, the base 31 of the reducer 3 can be lowered to the inside of the vehicle body and sealed and fixed by the mounting housing 2. It needs to be explained that, for example Figure 1 As shown, the mounting housing 2 has multiple circumferentially spaced fixing holes 21. A first connecting piece (such as a bolt) passes through the fixing holes 21 and connects to the vehicle body, thus connecting the mounting housing 2 to the vehicle body. When the mounting housing 2 is disassembled from the vehicle body, only the first connecting piece needs to be removed to ensure the connection between the mounting housing 2 and the vehicle body is released, allowing the mounting housing 2 to move relative to the vehicle body. In this invention, the base 31 needs to be raised to the outside of the vehicle body for rapid inspection and maintenance. Therefore, a lifting channel for the base 31 is provided on the vehicle body. The outer diameter of the mounting housing 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the base 31, i.e., larger than the inner diameter of the lifting channel, so that the mounting housing 2 can seal the lifting channel, achieving isolation and encapsulation between the inside and outside of the vehicle body.

[0037] Optionally, the outer sleeve 41 is provided with a limiting piece 43, which can stop the slide rod 42 when it descends to the position.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the limiting piece 43 is circumferentially connected to the inner wall of the outer sleeve 41. The limiting piece 43 limits the descent height of the slide rod 42, preventing excessive descent of the slide rod 42 from damaging the steering shaft 7. The function of the limiting piece 43 is to stop the slide rod 42 at its bottom end when it descends. Therefore, the structure of the limiting piece 43 is not limited to a sheet shape; it can also be a rod or pin or other structure with a stopping function.

[0039] Optionally, a circumferential limiting mechanism 44 is provided between the outer tube 41 and the slide rod 42, which allows the slide rod 42 to slide along the axial direction of the outer tube 41.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, since the bottom end of the outer sleeve 41 is fixedly connected to the steering shaft 7, it is understood that a rotational transmission connection is required between the transmission component and the steering shaft 7. Therefore, when the outer sleeve 41 and the slide rod 42 undergo axial lifting and lowering motion, it is necessary to ensure that there is no rotational movement. Circumferential rotation limiting is achieved by setting a circumferential limiting mechanism 44 between the outer sleeve 41 and the slide rod 42. Specifically, the circumferential limiting mechanism 44 includes protrusions respectively disposed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 41 and axial grooves disposed on the outer circumferential wall of the slide rod 42. The protrusions and axial grooves cooperate to limit rotation and guide axial movement. To ensure the reliability of rotation limiting, multiple protrusions are provided. These multiple protrusions can be disposed at the top of the outer sleeve 41 or multiple protrusions spaced apart along the inner wall of the outer sleeve 41; the specific form is not limited.

[0041] Optionally, the vehicle steering mechanism also includes a mounting plate 6, which is detachably mounted on the vehicle body and located below the base 31. The linear drive mechanism 5 is mounted on the mounting plate 6, and the steering shaft 7 passes through the axial through hole of the mounting plate 6 from bottom to top and is connected to the bottom end of the outer sleeve 41.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the mounting plate 6 is mounted on the vehicle body to fix the linear drive mechanism 5, facilitating its installation. Simultaneously, the outer diameter of the outer sleeve 41 is larger than the diameter of the axial through hole, preventing excessive descent of the outer sleeve 4 and ensuring the reliability of the steering shaft 7. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting plate 6 and the clamping housing 2 are mounted parallel to each other on the vehicle body, which helps ensure the lifting stability and directional certainty of the base 31. Figure 3 The mounting plate 6 is provided with multiple threaded holes 61. The multiple threaded holes 61 are spaced apart and evenly arranged along the circumference of the mounting plate 6 so that the second connector can pass through the threaded holes 61 and be connected to the vehicle body, which facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the mounting plate 6 and the vehicle body.

[0043] Optionally, two linear drive mechanisms 5 are provided, and the two linear drive mechanisms 5 are spaced apart on both sides of the axial through hole.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the two linear drive mechanisms 5 are symmetrically arranged so that the base 31 has a balanced lifting drive force. In this invention, the linear drive mechanism 5 is an electric drive mechanism, such as an electric telescopic rod or a linear motor.

[0045] Optionally, the housing 2 is snapped into the base 31.

[0046] The mounting housing 2 has multiple locking blocks on its bottom surface facing the base 31. These locking blocks engage with locking slots on the base 31 to achieve axial positioning between the mounting housing 2 and the base 31, ensuring torque transmission between the steering wheel 1 and the steering shaft 7. When the mounting housing 2 is installed on the vehicle body, the locking blocks engage with the locking slots for positioning. When the base 31 rises, it can drive the mounting housing 2 to rise synchronously. When the base 31 descends, the mounting housing 2 descends under the influence of gravity.

[0047] Optionally, the circumferential sidewall of the base 31 is provided with an inspection port, and an inspection cover 32 is provided at the inspection port, the inspection cover 32 being hinged to the base 31.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, when the base 31 is raised to the outside of the vehicle body, the inspection cover 32 can be completely located outside the vehicle body, which facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the transmission components inside the base 31 through the inspection port, greatly reducing the difficulty of inspection and maintenance of the reducer 3 and improving the efficiency of inspection and maintenance of the reducer 3.

[0049] The present invention also provides a maintenance control method for a vehicle steering mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance control method for the vehicle steering mechanism includes:

[0050] Disconnect the mounting shell 2 from the vehicle body; specifically, remove the first connecting piece that connects the mounting shell 2 and the vehicle body to facilitate the lifting and lowering movement of the mounting shell 2.

[0051] The linear drive mechanism 5 pushes the base 31 upward and moves the mounting housing 2 upward synchronously. At the same time, the slide bar 42 in the rotary telescopic mechanism 4 slides upward relative to the outer sleeve 41 until the base 31 is pushed out of the vehicle body by the linear drive mechanism 5; maintenance work is carried out on the reducer 3.

[0052] The vehicle steering mechanism maintenance control method of the present invention, through the detachable connection between the mounting housing 2 and the vehicle body, enables the linear drive mechanism 5 to drive the base 31 of the reducer 3 to rise to the external space of the vehicle body so as to facilitate the maintenance of the reducer 3, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.

[0053] The present invention also provides a vehicle including the vehicle steering mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle of the present invention, by providing a vehicle steering mechanism having a mounting housing 2 and a linear drive mechanism 5, facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the vehicle steering mechanism, thereby improving maintenance efficiency.

[0054] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle steering mechanism, characterized in that, include: Steering wheel (1); A mounting shell (2) is detachably mounted on the vehicle body. The mounting shell (2) has a through hole. A lifting channel is provided on the vehicle body. The outer diameter of the mounting shell (2) is larger than the inner diameter of the lifting channel. The mounting shell (2) can seal the lifting channel. The reducer (3) includes a base (31) and a transmission component disposed inside the base (31). The base (31) and the steering wheel (1) are disposed on opposite sides of the mounting housing (2). The base (31) is connected to the mounting housing (2). The output end of the steering wheel (1) passes through the through hole of the mounting housing (2) and is connected to the input end of the transmission component. A rotary telescopic mechanism (4) includes an outer tube (41) and a slide rod (42) slidably connected inside the outer tube (41). The top end of the slide rod (42) is connected to the output end of the transmission component, and the bottom end of the slide rod (42) is slidably connected to the outer tube (41). The bottom end of the outer tube (41) is connected to a steering shaft (7). A limiting piece (43) is provided inside the outer tube (41), and the slide rod (42) can stop against the limiting piece (43) when it descends to the position. A linear drive mechanism (5) is provided on the vehicle body, and the output end of the linear drive mechanism (5) is connected to the base (31) to drive the base (31) to lift and lower. Mounting plate (6), which is detachably mounted on the vehicle body and located below the base (31), is mounted on the vehicle body parallel to the mounting housing (2); the linear drive mechanism (5) is mounted on the mounting plate (6); the steering shaft (7) passes through the axial through hole of the mounting plate (6) from bottom to top and is connected to the bottom end of the outer sleeve (41); the outer diameter of the outer sleeve (41) is larger than the diameter of the axial through hole to avoid the outer sleeve (41) from descending excessively; During maintenance, the connection between the mounting shell (2) and the vehicle body is disconnected; the linear drive mechanism (5) pushes the base (31) upward and moves the mounting shell (2) upward synchronously. At the same time, the slide rod (42) in the rotary telescopic mechanism (4) slides upward relative to the outer tube (41) until the base (31) is pushed out of the vehicle body by the linear drive mechanism (5); maintenance work is carried out on the reducer (3).

2. The vehicle steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A circumferential limiting mechanism (44) is provided between the outer tube (41) and the slide rod (42), and the circumferential limiting mechanism (44) allows the slide rod (42) to slide along the axial direction of the outer tube (41).

3. The vehicle steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two linear drive mechanisms (5) are provided, and the two linear drive mechanisms (5) are spaced apart on both sides of the axial through hole.

4. The vehicle steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting shell (2) is snapped into the base (31).

5. The vehicle steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the mounting housing (2) is larger than the outer diameter of the base (31).

6. The vehicle steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential sidewall of the base (31) is provided with an inspection port, and an inspection cover (32) is provided at the inspection port. The inspection cover (32) is hinged to the base (31).

7. A method for the inspection and control of a vehicle steering mechanism, characterized in that, According to any one of claims 1-6, the maintenance control method for the vehicle steering mechanism includes: Disconnect the connection between the card holder (2) and the vehicle body; The linear drive mechanism (5) pushes the base (31) upward and moves the mounting shell (2) upward synchronously. At the same time, the slide bar (42) in the rotary telescopic mechanism (4) slides upward relative to the outer tube (41) until the base (31) is pushed out of the vehicle body by the linear drive mechanism (5); and the speed reducer (3) is inspected and maintained.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the vehicle steering mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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